Beyond Dinner And A Movie: 7 Cheap And Creative Dates For You And The Boo

Black Twitter is good for a lot of things: answering un-Google-able questions (why does Prince have an Afro instead of a Dominican blow-out?), getting the latest headlines (“Mittens Romney Places Foot in Mouth, Enjoys Taste”), or learning about celebrity foolishness (Santa vs. The Snowman at the BET Hip Hop Awards). However, Black Twitter is also home of boundless stupidity and bald-headed logic, i.e. the $200 date. Before Twitter convinces you to drop two Benjamins at a played-out Ruth’s Chris, peep these eight dates that are cheaper than $200.

Wine Tasting – One of the most underrated date ideas, ever. You get to a) taste a plethora of wines for a flat fee, b) you get crackers, cheeses and chocolates to try them with and c) you get to learn the ins and outs of what makes a wine linger in your mouth (wood barrel aging). Best of all, you actually have something to do on your date – some states are chock full of wineries (Virginia, California, and North Carolina) and you can take a tour of the facility to see how it’s all done.

Couples Massage

Talk about sensual! Low candles, oils, and soothing music sets the mood to get you and your boo loose and mellow. And if you take advantage of first-time discounts this date can be extremely friendly on the pockets. Stripping down and getting rubbed out (your muscles, that is) can be a relaxing treat for the couple that has been together for a while.

Museum

Going to the museum is the smart man’s date: most times the entry is free, and it makes you seem cultured. And don’t think you are confined to just art: there are museums dedicated to everything from spies to space to the news.

Farmer’s Markets

Instead of paying for somebody else to cook you dinner, take your new boo to the local farmer’s market to pick out your food for the evening. You can people watch, get fresh fruits and vegetables, and try exotic dishes that the street vendors cook up. And I’m pretty sure that flexing your knowledge of anything food-related will beat a path straight to your lover’s heart.

Author Events

For the well-read couple, going to listen to a favorite author speak on a bomb book can be lots of fun. You get to ask questions about characters or facts in the book and meet other like-minded people. Best of all, the having a copy of the book is usually all you need to gain admittance to the event.

Go-Carting

If your lover is a fan of thrill rides this might be right up his ally. The idea of racing and beating your significant other in a toy car race would bring out the competitive edge in anyone, but all is fair in love and war – and go-carts.

Music lovers already know that if you play it smart concerts can be a low-cost, high reward date idea. You can cop tickets for up-and-coming musicians on the low and get a great performance. Best of all you and your boo will have the opportunity to support new artists and see what the next wave of music has to offer.

I know you’re probably thinking “I’m not trying to get my edges wet,” but this is a super fun date if you open yourself to the experience. It’s a great upper body workout and you get to see the beauty of nature wide open before you. Strap your life jacket on tight and see if you and your boo have the synchronicity for smooth sailing or if y’all only know how to rock the boat.